SING AND SIGN
What is S&S?
Most children with Down syndrome will want to communicate, but can sometimes have difficulties with speech.
It is also often difficult for children with Down Syndrome to learn to understand words when they are just spoken, without some visual supports, such as facial expressions, gestures, etc. Using Lámh signs together with spoken words will make it more likely that your child will be understood, and understand, which will bring great joy to the child! Successful communication is very rewarding, and will want to continue communication.
Benefits of S&S
Children with Down Syndrome are usually visual learners. This means that they are generally good at learning by watching. As mentioned above, many Children with Down Syndrome have difficulties with hearing.
When speaking, you only get one chance to hear someone speak, before having to ask for a repeat, which can get annowing sometimes.
Signs can be held for much longer, giving your child much more time to focus and understand. Using signs alongside speech will help compensate for difficulties in hearing, remembering and understanding sounds and words.
Using a standardised signing system like Lámh means that the people around your child (like preschool staff, teachers, Speech and Language Therapists, etc) will understand your child’s attempts to communicate. It also means that there is consistency, with the same sign always being used with a word, avoiding confusion.
FEES
As a charity we charge a nominal fee of €25 for most of our services to support running costs, and we subsidise the rest.